50 Things You Need to Know About EFF President Julius Malema

Julius Malema, born on March 3, 1981, in the Seshego township of South Africa, is one of the most polarizing and influential figures in South African politics. Known for his fiery rhetoric and unwavering stance on issues, Malema has made a significant impact on the political landscape. Here are 50 things you need to know about the EFF President:

Early Life and Background

1. Born in Seshego Township: Malema was born in the Seshego township in Limpopo, South Africa.
2. Raised by His Mother and Grandmother: He was raised by his mother, who was a domestic worker, and his grandmother.
3. Joined ANC at Age 9: Malema joined the African National Congress (ANC) at the age of nine as part of the Masupatsela group.
4. Active in Student Politics: He was heavily involved in student politics, becoming province chairman of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in 1997.
5. COSAS President (2001-2004): Malema served as the president of COSAS from 2001 to 2004.

Rise in ANC

6. Joined ANC Youth League in 1994: Malema joined the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in 1994, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
7. Elected ANCYL President in 2008: He became the president of the ANC Youth League in April 2008.
8. Support for Jacob Zuma: Malema was a vocal supporter of Jacob Zuma, famously saying he would “kill for Zuma.”
9. Controversial Statements: His statements, including singing the song “shoot the Boer,” led to widespread criticism.
10. Disciplinary Issues with ANC: Malema’s behavior led to multiple disciplinary actions from the ANC, including charges of provoking divisions and bringing the party into disrepute.

Formation of the EFF

11. Expelled from ANC in 2012: Malema was expelled from the ANC in 2012 after a series of disputes with party leadership.
12. Founded the EFF in 2013: After his expulsion, Malema founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in July 2013.
13. Commander in Chief of the EFF: He assumed the title of Commander in Chief of the EFF.
14. Radical Leftist Ideology: The EFF is known for its radical leftist, anti-capitalist, and anti-imperialist platform.
15. Nationalization and Land Redistribution: The party’s platform includes the nationalization of mines and banks and the expropriation of land without compensation.

Political Career

16. Became an MP in 2014: Malema became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2014 after the EFF secured 6% of the national vote.
17. Gained More Seats in 2019: In the 2019 elections, the EFF increased its share of the vote to nearly 11%, earning 44 seats in the National Assembly.
18. Impact on South African Politics: Malema and the EFF have played a significant role in reshaping the political discourse in South Africa.
19. Opposition to ANC Policies: Malema has been a vocal critic of the ANC’s policies, despite his willingness to form a coalition with them in 2024.
20. International Attention: Malema’s rhetoric and political actions have garnered international attention and criticism.

Legal and Financial Troubles

21. Hate Speech Convictions: Malema has been convicted of hate speech multiple times, including for singing “shoot the Boer.”
22. Tax Evasion: In 2012, the South African Revenue Service claimed Malema owed nearly $2 million in unpaid taxes.
23. Money Laundering Charges: Malema faced charges of money laundering, corruption, fraud, and racketeering.
24. Trial Postponements: His trial on these charges has been repeatedly postponed.
25. Luxury Lifestyle Criticism: Malema has faced criticism for his expensive tastes, which some see as contradictory to his populist message.

Personal Life and Beliefs

26. Education: Malema holds a Diploma in Youth Development and a BA in Communications and African Languages.
27. Public Oratory: Known for his powerful public speaking, Malema often uses his oratory skills to mobilize supporters.
28. Advocate for Economic Emancipation: Malema’s political message centers on the economic emancipation of the poor and marginalized.
29. Controversial Figure: He remains a controversial figure due to his outspoken nature and radical views.
30. Influence on Youth: Malema has a significant influence on South African youth, many of whom see him as a voice for their struggles.

EFF Achievements and Challenges

31. Growing EFF Support: Under Malema’s leadership, the EFF has grown to become the third-largest party in South Africa.
32. Challenges in Local Elections: The EFF has faced challenges in local elections, where it has struggled to gain significant ground.
33. Parliamentary Disruptions: Malema and his party are known for disrupting parliamentary sessions to challenge the ruling party.
34. Calls for Wealth Redistribution: The EFF has been at the forefront of calls for wealth redistribution in South Africa.
35. Education and Health Reforms: The party has proposed reforms to improve access to education and healthcare for the poor.

Future Prospects

36. Potential Kingmaker: In the 2024 elections, Malema and the EFF could play a crucial role as a kingmaker in coalition negotiations.
37. Leadership Style: Malema’s leadership style is characterized by his direct, often confrontational approach.
38. Criticism from Opponents: He has faced criticism from both the ANC and opposition parties for his tactics and rhetoric.
39. Support Base: Malema’s support base primarily consists of young, economically disenfranchised South Africans.
40. Vision for South Africa: Malema envisions a South Africa where economic power is shared more equally among all citizens.

Social Media and Public Image

41. Active on Social Media: Malema is highly active on social media, where he frequently engages with supporters and critics alike.
42. Charismatic Leader: His charisma and ability to connect with ordinary citizens have made him a formidable political figure.
43. Polarizing Opinions: Malema’s opinions often polarize South African society, with people either strongly supporting or opposing him.
44. Global Recognition: Despite his controversial nature, Malema is recognized globally as a significant political figure.
45. Public Appearances: He regularly makes public appearances, using them as platforms to voice his views on various issues.

Challenges and Controversies

46. Internal Party Tensions: The EFF has faced internal tensions and disagreements, though Malema has maintained his leadership.
47. Criticism of Wealth: Critics often point out the disparity between Malema’s calls for economic equality and his own wealth.
48. Legal Battles: Malema continues to face legal battles, which could impact his political future.
49. Ethical Questions: Questions about Malema’s ethics and financial dealings have been raised by opponents and media.
50. Enduring Influence: Despite all the controversies, Malema remains an enduring influence in South African politics.

Julius Malema’s journey from a young political activist to the leader of a major political party in South Africa is a testament to his resilience and determination. Whether you agree with his politics or not, there’s no denying that Malema has left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.